Page 52 of The House Guest

I placed my hand on his chest. “I know you didn’t. But I have to go. I’m sorry.” My eyes narrowed. “Also, I don’t like to be called Prim.”

Dorian flashed me a proud smile.

I walked over to Janelle, who was now at the next table. “Do you think we could leave?” I asked.

“Actually, I need to sober up before I drive.” She leaned across to speak into my ear. “But also, I’m really enjoying Michael’s company and am not ready to go.”

“No problem.” I hugged her. “I’ll call a ride. You have fun. You deserve it. Don’t have anything else to drink, though, if you’re gonna be driving yourself home. And please just call a ride if there’s any doubt.”

She winked. “Maybe I’ll ditch my car here and let Michael take me home.”

“Be careful,” I mouthed.

Feeling feisty, I snuck out a side door. I didn’t want to return to the table in the event Dorian felt obligated to give me a ride.

I regretted not saying goodbye to him. But more than that, I didn’t want to spend another second sitting across from him and his date. Not sure why I’d ever thought going on a double date with a man I was practically obsessed with was a good idea. Every second that I had to look across at them had pissed me off more than the last. I clearly wasn’t ready for that.

The ride I’d called never showed, so I walked a couple of blocks to a nearby pharmacy to pick up a few things. Then I called another car to take me back to the mansion.

When I finally made it home, I turned the key and froze at the sight of Dorian standing in the entryway—alone.

What the hell?

CHAPTER 14

“What are you doing here?” I placed my hand over my chest.

“I drove home as soon as I figured out that you’d left the bar. I didn’t think I’d beat you. You should’ve let me take you back.”

“You left your date?”

“I apologized and excused myself. Left her sitting there with your date, actually.”

“That’s so wrong.” I chuckled.

He shrugged. “Barely met her, and I wasn’t feeling it. Better not to waste her time.”

“You really didn’t need to follow me home.”

“Technically you followed me. What took you so damn long?”

“First car I called ghosted me. Then I stopped at the store.” I sighed. “Anyway, I still don’t understandwhy you’re here.”

“I was the reason you left. I upset you when I argued with Art Boy.”

“Are you kidding? That was the best part of the night.”

“Thought maybe I overstepped and ruined your date.”

“Well, I ruined yours last time, so I guess we’re even.”

“Technically, you’ve ruinedtwoof my dates.” He wriggled his brows. “Not that I’m counting.”

“I think I’m addicted to stealing you away from people,” I admitted.

He moved toward me. “Are you stealing me, or am I unable to see anything else when you’re around?”

“You tell me.” My breaths quickened. “Although I find that hard to believe. That chick was the prettiest one so far. Surprised you didn’t want to hook up with her.”